The Western North Carolina-based nonprofit news service, Carolina Public Press, seeks a freelance investigative reporter to join its award-winning team. Carolina Public Press is Western North Carolina’s only nonprofit news organization devoted to nonpartisan, in-depth and investigative news. The investigative reporter will join its investigative news team in producing enterprise, investigative and policy-oriented news with a regional focus but, often, including research and reporting on statewide impact and implications.
Applicants should live within North Carolina’s 18 westernmost counties and have:
- excellent writing skills including proficiency in AP style;
- proven and successful experience seeking public records and data at the state and federal level;
- 3-5 years reporting experience in a deadline-driven news environment; and
- 2 years of investigative reporting experience.
Assignments are available on a range of public-interest topics, from the environment to health care, from local, regional and state politics to the economy. Freelancers will be assigned individual stories or components of team reporting packages. Freelancers also have the opportunity to develop their own stories and pitch those to CPP editors. CPP does not accept traditional pitches on arts, entertainment or sports topics. Applicants are expected to meet and exceed standards for professional journalists as set out by the Society of Professional Journalists, including seeking balance, clarity and veracity in all reporting.
Pay is competitive, based on accepted story assignments, with stipends available for approved expenses. Opportunities for advancement are also a potential for the right candidate.
To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, three professional references, a sample of your work (including multimedia, if applicable), and two investigative story ideas to Executive Director Angie Newsome at anewsome@carolinapublicpress.org. Please write “Investigative Reporter” in the subject line.